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Inauguration

Inauguration: The ceremony in which a new president or public official is formally installed. Monarchy: A form of government where members of an inherited dynasty hold ruling power. Pardon: To reverse a conviction for a crime through action of the president. Reprieve: To grant a delay in sentencing for a crime. Words to Understand E very American president begins his term in office with the same sen- tence: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.” Since April 30, 1789, when George Washington stepped onto the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City, 44 men have begun their terms as president with the same phrase. But all of these men have put their own stamp on the office of president of the United States, and the executive branch has evolved as a reflection of their personalities and their visions for the country. Today, when we think about our national government, the president is often the clearest and most visible symbol of that government at work. But when the Founding Fathers first met in Philadelphia in 1787 to discuss how to shape the new government that would become the United States, the scope

In 1789, George Washington took the oath as the first president of the United States. His eight-page inaugural address was handwritten and read aloud on the steps of Federal Hall in New York City. His speech has been preserved and can be found at the National Archives.

The Presidency